Indonesia calls for global action on sustainable water management at the 10th World Water Forum

JAKARTA, May 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Indonesia invites heads of state attending the 10th World Water Forum in Bali to take action to actualize inclusive and sustainable water management.

“This (forum) is meant to reaffirm our commitment and formulate concrete actions related to inclusive and sustainable water management,” President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) remarked at his opening on the forum’s High-Level Meeting on Monday.

At least four initiatives were proposed by Indonesia that are expected to be put forward in the forum’s first-ever ministerial declaration on May 21. These initiatives are World Lake Day, the establishment of a Center of Excellence on Water and Climate Resilience, integrated water resources management on small islands, and fundraising for water projects.

Water plays a critical role in human life and might be referred to as “the next oil” in the future, noting that water shortages could slow down economic growth by up to six percent by 2050.

Indonesia has been striving to strengthen its water infrastructure by constructing 42 dams and developing 1.18 million hectares of irrigation networks in the last decade. The country rehabilitated irrigation networks covering an area of 4.3 million hectares and developed 2,156 kilometers of flood control and coastal protection structures.

The government also utilizes the water surface in Cirata dam for the floating power plant in West Java Province.

“However, all these efforts are not enough. We can expect even more complicated issues related to water and sanitation in the future. We need to make similar efforts at the global level by involving countries, private actors, and civil society,” Widodo stated.

Indonesia’s effort is in line with the statement of the President of the World Water Council (WWC), Loic Fauchon, who invited the world community as the water warriors to achieve water security and solve world water problems.

“Be water warriors together. I want to call for the obligation to take care of nature and provide water for each other,” Fauchon said in his speech at the opening ceremony of World Water Forum’s 10th High-Level Meeting.

There are at least six efforts that WWC promotes to tackle water issues such as promoting water supply security policies at all levels, committing to changing behavior in achieving water sobriety, prioritizing the design and implementation of nature-based solutions for basins, admitting the right to water to national constitutions, Laws and local regulations.

Participating in the “Money for Water” Coalition, and ensuring more active, decentralized governance based on multilateral cooperation on water issues is also needed to tackle water issues.

“We need you, we want new ideas to write the future of water,” Fauchon remarked.

Indonesia hosts the 10th World Water Forum themed “Water for Shared Prosperity” held on 18-25 May 2024.

The High-Level Meeting was attended by world leaders, including Tajikistan Prime Minister (PM) Qohir Rasulzoda, President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof, and Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea John Rosso.

The other attendees comprised President of the World Water Council (WWC) Loïc Fauchon; United Nations (UN) General Assembly President Dennis Francis; former Hungarian president Janos Ader; French special envoy Barbara Pompili; and Dutch special envoy Meike van Ginneken.

Visit:
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Please contact:
Director General, Public Information and Communications, Ministry of Communications & Informatics (KOMINFO), Usman Kansong, t: +62 81 678 5320, e: humas@mail.kominfo.go.id
For daily WWF news and information, please visit https://infopublik.id.

Tommy Chong Lights World-Record 23-Pound Blunt ‘Up in Smoke’ in Bel Air, California

LOS ANGELES, CA, May 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – In a legendary feat of craftsmanship and “stoner ingenuity,” Tommy Chong, celebrated comedian, actor, and icon, has shattered the world record for smoking the largest handcrafted blunt. The previous record stood at just over five pounds, but Chong, along with world-class rollers Dawn “Grasshoppa” Doan and June Da Goon, champions of both the World Rolling Championship and the National Joint League, achieved the unimaginable with a 23.36-pound blunt containing a colossal 21 pounds (9,555g) of marijuana. The monumental event coincides with Tommy Chong’s 86th birthday later this week, making it a double celebration for the cannabis community and fans worldwide.

The event was a testament to the passion and dedication of the cannabis community. Dawn “Grasshoppa” Doan, the world’s first professional female roller, Rolling Champion, and judge, featured in Forbes, High Times, and Vice magazine, expressed her excitement. “It’s moments like this that make all the years of rolling worth it. June and I have been rolling professionally for over 10 years, and to be part of such a historic achievement with a legend like Tommy is beyond words.”

June Da Goon, a five-time rolling champion featured in High Times magazine and on Leafly, highlighted the uniqueness of this blunt. “Most blunts over a couple pounds have to be hooked up to a fan blower. At 20 pounds, this was a feat beyond measure to rip huge clouds using nothing but lung power. There may have been other big rolls, but they didn’t smoke.”

James Alexander, a key organizer of the event, emphasized the significance of its non-commercial nature. “This was a non-sponsored event, completely free of commercialization. It was important for us to do this for the love of the plant and the community. We wanted to celebrate cannabis culture in its purest form, and I believe we succeeded.”

Chong commented on the achievement and its recognition. “The Guinness Book of Records might not be ‘honoring’ cannabis-related records right now, but I know in my heart we set the record here today. It was an honor to take the first toke. Plus, who needs to be in a record book when you’ve got a blunt this big?”

The historic smoke out, captured on video, showcases the spirit of unity and creativity within the cannabis community. Fans and enthusiasts can witness the record-breaking moment and join the celebration by watching the video on YouTube.

As Tommy Chong turns 86 on May 24, his enduring influence and love for the plant continues to inspire. This record-breaking event not only honors his contributions to the culture but also highlights the vibrant and innovative spirit of the community as a whole.

For more information and to see more exclusive Cheech & Chong content, visit Bowlmates.com.

Source: Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Company

25th Edition Manufacturing IT Summit: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing Technology

MUMBAI, INDIA, May 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Manufacturing IT Summit, now in its 25th edition, continues to be a beacon of innovation and collaboration in India’s manufacturing sector. This exclusive, invite-only, in-person event on June 13, 2024 in Sahara Star, Mumbai, India brings together technology leaders from leading businesses, institutions, and government officials, representing India’s vibrant manufacturing landscape.

As India’s premier networking conference in the manufacturing industry, the Manufacturing IT Summit serves as a vital platform for the most influential IT leaders to address today’s most pressing technological challenges, foster deep collaboration, and generate new ideas. With a focus on topics such as big data, robotics, sustainable development, 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and other technological advancements, the summit is poised to redefine manufacturing processes, design, production facilities, distribution systems, and global supply chains.

Organized by Exito, the Manufacturing IT Summit, now celebrating its 25th edition, stands as a testament to innovation and collaboration within India’s manufacturing sector. This exclusive, invite-only, in-person event brings together technology leaders from prominent businesses, institutions, and government officials, embodying the dynamic landscape of manufacturing in India.

Speakers:

Raghu Panicker, CEO Kaynes SemiCon Private Ltd.
Dr. Yogesh Bhatia, Managing Director & CEO LML Emotion Private Ltd.
Khushru Mistry, Chief Technology Officer GM Modular Pvt Ltd.
Shirish Yadav, Executive Vice President – Technology & Manufacturing ITC Ltd.
Zurvan Marolia, Sr. Vice President Godrej & Boyce.
Jayant Magar, Group-CIO & VP-IT Hindustan Platinum.
Anindya Sundar Ghosh, Chief Information Security Officer Hindustan Zinc.

Key Highlights of the 25th Edition Manufacturing IT Summit:

Exclusive Gathering: Over 120+ IT decision-makers and influencers will convene at this prestigious event to discuss critical technology issues affecting today’s manufacturing industry.
Thought-Provoking Discussions: Engage in discussions led by industry experts on topics ranging from big data analytics to sustainable development, exploring how technological advancements are reshaping the manufacturing landscape.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, exchange insights, and build valuable partnerships with leading technology leaders from across the manufacturing sector.

About the Manufacturing IT Summit

The Manufacturing IT Summit is India’s leading networking conference, dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration within the manufacturing industry. Now in its 25th edition, the summit continues to provide a platform for technology leaders to explore emerging trends, share best practices, and drive technological advancement in manufacturing.

For more information on the 25th Edition Manufacturing IT Summit, visit here.

About Exito

Exito, which means success in Spanish, embodies our commitment to the success of our customers. Each year, we host over 240 virtual and in-person conferences globally, bringing together audiences with world-class thought leaders and C-level executives across industries. Our meticulously crafted agendas, based on extensive research and valuable industry insights, facilitate business, knowledge transfer, deal flow, and impactful messaging for brands.

For Media Enquiries, contact:
Kasturi Nayak (Sr. Marketing Executive)
Kasturi.nayak@exito-e.com
Enquiry@exito-e.com
Exito Media Concepts.

Naehas and Itea P2B AB Partner to Bring Enhanced Value to Financial Services Billing and Disclosures

PALO ALTO, CA, May 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Naehas, the leader in the financial services customer experience cloud space, is partnering with Itea P2B AB (Itea P2B), a Nordics-based fintech company, bringing each other’s solutions to their respective markets.

This global partnership will allow banks to leverage new functionalities, using Itea P2B’s billing capabilities as an integrated Naehas solution, made possible through Naehas’ flexible architecture.

These new capabilities include, but are not limited to:

Invoice grouping per customer or account
Options of debit advice
E-invoicing
PDF for distribution or digital use
Sales tax calculations
Flexible billing periods/cycles
Customized invoicing based on billing settings
Credit note capability to fix invoicing errors

In Europe, Middle East, and African (EMEA) markets, Itea P2B will provide access to Naehas’ disclosure management solutions. This helps EMEA banks to reduce regulatory risk by automating their marketing and service disclosures.

Globally and in particular for the U.S. and Canadian markets, Naehas’ enterprise product and pricing, offer management, and disclosure management solutions combined with Itea P2B’s billing capabilities create a robust customer experience ecosystem. This partnership reinforces the commitment of both firms to support banks in providing their customers with exceptional service.

“Automating and controlling billing are key areas for banks serving commercial and corporate customers. There’s a lot of complexity surrounding billing. It’s an area of profound customer experience, leakage, errors, time loss, and excessive costs related to manual processing. Customers need transparency, and Naehas helps provide that clarity. We are helping banks to wrap new capabilities around their cores without changing it,” states Steve Dobrenski, Head of Global Partnerships at Naehas. “We are also excited to provide EMEA-based banks with a disclosure management solution in partnership with Itea P2B,” the partnership leader continues.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Naehas by integrating our advanced billing capabilities into Naehas’ customer experience banking platform with particular focus on the U.S. and Canada. Their exceptional financial solutions perfectly align with the needs of banks, complementing our own offerings. Together, we can now enhance the value we deliver to our clients twofold,” Rasmus Beigler, CEO of Itea P2B, exclaims.

Please contact Naehas for more information.

About Naehas

Naehas is the leading financial services industry cloud for exceptional customer experiences. The company delivers personalized products, pricing, offers, disclosures, and customer communications faster and more efficiently while reducing risk. By providing solutions that support enterprise functions, including product management, marketing, compliance, and operations, its clients see a 70% reduction in cycle times and a 5x increase in targeted offers.

About ITEA P2B AB

Itea P2B AB is a Swedish fintech product company offering an off-the-shelf product for centralizing the pricing and billing management functions across the bank. A true partner for the banks to address the challenges banks face today, its expertise comprises streamlining siloed product management, eliminating revenue leakage due to historic inefficiencies, minimizing turnaround time and cost for new product and price propositions, and boosting transparency.

Source: Naehas

View the original press release on newswire.com.

Spritzer’s ‘Plastic Reimagined’ inspires exciting ideas whilst giving new life and uses to recycled plastic

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Spritzer, Malaysia’s leading mineral water brand, is excited to present “Plastic Reimagined,” an interactive and educational experience to inspire Malaysians to see plastic waste in a new light and raise awareness about recycling. Visitors to the 5-day event will have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with upcycled items and participate in a variety of exciting activities.

Second life of Recycled Plastic Bottles Process

This immersive event will be happening from May 22nd to 26th, 2024, at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya. Event highlights include the Spritzer upcycling art exhibition and a series of engaging activities designed to inform the public about the importance of recycling and the potential second life of recycled plastics.

Spritzer’s ‘Plastic Reimagined’ event represents a bold step towards a future rooted in sustainability and circularity, particularly in encouraging individuals to view plastic waste as a resource rather than refuse. By showcasing creative recycling methods and the potential of plastic, the event aims to transform the perception of waste, especially plastic waste, and demonstrate how every piece of plastic can be given a second life by turning it into something beautiful or functional. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to foster sustainable mindsets among Malaysians.

Spritzer’s goal is to become a fully circular brand by 2030 and the company has been actively seeking new ways to integrate sustainable practices into their business and lifestyle. They are also leading innovation in packaging by using recycled materials (rPET), with the packaging being 100% recyclable. ‘Plastic Reimagined’ is part of Spritzer’s ongoing efforts to change perceptions and aims to facilitate a shift towards more eco-friendly mindsets, where every piece of plastic has a purpose and a second life.

To that end, visitors to the ‘Plastic Reimagined’ event can look forward to a diverse range of activities and exhibits, including:

Plastic Bottles Recycling: Bring any 3 used plastic items, such as Spritzer bottles, to recycle and receive a complimentary Spritzer tote bag.
Exploring the Second Life of Recycled Plastic & Interactive Showcase: Learn how recycled plastics are processed and upcycled through engaging displays, providing a first-hand look at how plastics are transformed.
Succulent Planting Workshops: Learn sustainable practices through succulent planting workshops using recycled materials to incorporate eco-friendly techniques at home and in the garden.
Upcycling Art Exhibition: Experience stunning art installations made from recycled Spritzer plastic bottles by homegrown artists, showcasing the endless creative possibilities of upcycling. The featured artists include:
- CO2_karbondioksida by Celine Tan & Oscar Lee: Husband-and-wife duo from Muar, Johor. Celine Tan and her husband, Oscar Lee, created the Co2 art collective in response to the urgent need to raise awareness about the significance of producing less waste for the welfare of the earth. They are renowned for constructing colossal recycled marvels.
- Artsy Daphy: Celebrated for her vibrant works fusing traditional and contemporary styles, Artsy Daphy explores local heritage while promoting environmental awareness.
- Mereka by Biji-Biji Group: Mereka designs and implements training programs to inspire and equip future leaders in various industries. At the core of Mereka is a commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices and technologies that support innovative projects and environmental sustainability.

The ’Plastic Reimagined’ campaign is part of Spritzer’s ongoing efforts to drive positive change and contribute to a more sustainable future for Malaysia. By engaging the community through interactive experiences and thought-provoking art, the brand aims to shift mindsets and behaviours towards a more conscious and responsible approach to plastic waste management.

Plastic Reimagined is open to the public from 22nd to 26th May between 10AM and 10PM at the Ground Floor, West Court of IOI City Mall in Putrajaya

For more information and updates on “Plastic Reimagined,” visit Spritzer Mineral Water Malaysia.

Please download the high-res images from this link.

About Spritzer:

Established in 1989, Spritzer Group has been a pioneer in providing Malaysians with natural mineral water sourced from a 440-acre green rainforest. Committed to innovation, Spritzer Group leads the Malaysian bottled water industry through manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and sales of its diverse product line. From renowned natural mineral water to refreshing non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, each product is carefully crafted to meet consumer needs.

Comprising eight business subsidiaries, Spritzer Group specializes in the production and distribution of silica-rich natural mineral water, sparkling natural mineral water, distilled drinking water, carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, and non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks.

With over 30 years of experience, Spritzer Group is Malaysia’s largest and only listed bottled water producer. For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my.

For media enquiries please contact:

Hema Rengasamy
Senior Executive
Narro Communications
T: +6019-718 0410
E: hema@narrocomms.com

Winnie Chin
Head of Public Relations
Spritzer Berhad
T: +6019 553 2663
E: winniecgl@spritzer.com.my

Alta Partners with TRIREC to Unlock Opportunities in Impact Investing for Third Climate-Focused Fund

Alta’s strategic partnership with TRIREC will provide access to the TRIREC Venture II (TVII) fund on its platform to Southeast Asian investors seeking meaningful opportunities to invest in impact investments.
The TVII invests globally in companies focusing on breakthrough areas of growth and innovation in climate tech looking to accelerate the rate of decarbonisation, providing investors the opportunity to participate in the growth of these companies in their nascent stages.

SINGAPORE, May 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Alta Alternative Investments Pte. Ltd. (Alta), Asia’s leading digital securities exchange for alternative assets, announces its strategic partnership with Singapore-headquartered investment firm focused on decarbonisation as its mandate, TRIREC. The partnership will enable Alta to provide its global community of investors access to the TRIREC Venture II (TVII) fund via its platform and unlock opportunities in impact investing.

The TVII fund aims to invest in portfolio companies that will play a significant role in positively impacting climate change. With a global investment mandate and a focus on APAC, the fund looks to invest in 15 to 18 early-stage portfolio companies. Through TVII, investors can access decarbonisation investments in energy, industries, mobility, building, and food & agriculture verticals, capitalising on the growing demand and substantial global government policy support.

“In recent years, the investment landscape has witnessed a significant shift towards impact investing with the global impact investment market estimated to hit US$4.5 trillion by the end of 2030. At Alta, we endeavour to bring such unique opportunities in alternative investments and private companies that deliver both potentially stellar investment returns, as well as tangible environmental impact. The partnership with TRIREC, the leading global decarbonisation fund, and the introduction of TVII on our platform will look to help investors deploy capital conscientiously while ensuring that their investments can truly create meaningful and lasting change for future generations,” said Benjamin Twoon, Co-founder & Chief Commercial Officer, Alta.

As the world grapples with ever-pressing issues of climate change, impact investing has only become more urgent, picking up momentum in recent years. In Singapore, the Monetary Authority of Singapore launched the Finance for Net Zero Action Plan in 2023 to set out strategies to mobilise financing to catalyse Asia’s net zero transition and decarbonization activities in Singapore and the region.

Melvyn Yeo, Managing Partner of TRIREC added, “We are extremely pleased to partner with Alta in our third decarbonisation-focused fund, TVII. Since 2015, TRIREC has seen over 3,000 deals from both inbound and outbound channels, and we have been extremely selective with the firms we invest in. We are witnessing investor interest in emerging areas of growth and innovation in climate tech and are looking forward to tapping into Alta’s extensive network of global investors. This will enable us to extend the opportunities to invest in high-growth companies that are redefining how humanity tackles decarbonisation.”

TRIREC has successfully managed two funds and invested in over 20 decarbonisation companies, three of which have reached unicorn status. Importantly, TRIREC has also achieved successful exits for 3 of its portfolio companies previously. TVII is TRIREC’s third fund, further solidifying its position as one of the most established decarbonisation investment platforms globally.

TVII was launched in late 2023 and has made its first three investments in the following companies:

Immaterial – UK-based company focused on developing novel nanoporous materials and systems for carbon capture and hydrogen storage at ultra-low cost and highest efficiencies.
Fiutur – US-based start-up spun out of Xpansiv, a marketplace for environmental commodities, focused on developing an end-to-end financial data platform that enables a universal tracking system for all environmental commodities and a centralised tracking platform across the ESG asset lifecycle.
Type-1 Energy – US-based start-up harnessing advanced manufacturing methods, modern computational physics and innovations in high-temperature superconductors to develop stellarator systems.

In an era marked by evolving investor demands for liquidity and portfolio diversification, Alta provides diverse investment opportunities in private capital markets, including a wide range of alternative assets. Earlier in January, Alta announced a unique liquidity program for shareholders of Income Insurance Limited, a leading Singaporean insurer.

About Alta

We’re Building the Future of Capital Markets
As Asia’s leading licensed digital securities exchange for alternative investments, we believe that access to capital markets are pivotal in all economies and recognize that our role in building this critical infrastructure goes beyond facilitating trades; it paves the way for entrepreneurship, job creation, financial inclusion, and economic resilience, fostering a brighter future for emerging markets and economies.

Empowering Private Markets
Through our Digital Exchange, we enable the tokenization and digital custody of alternative assets. This end-to-end solution simplifies and expedites the trading of smaller asset blocks, ultimately facilitating access and liquidity in private markets.

Innovative Financial Ecosystem
Our journey has seen us transition from securities trading and distribution of comprehensive products, including equities, private credit, funds, and asset-backed securities (ABS) (representing Real World Assets (“RWA”) like whiskies and wines) to include fund management and digital custody services.

Established in 2016 and headquartered in Singapore, Alta operates offices globally and is the only integrated securities exchange, brokerage, and fund management group in Southeast Asia. Visit us on https://alta.exchange/

About TRIREC

Founded in 2015, TRIREC is a Singapore-headquartered SFDR Article 8 certified global venture capital investment firm. The mission is to drive decarbonisation focused investments for a more sustainable future. Having been pioneers and experienced managers in decarbonization, we have witnessed the progression of climate technology from its infancy to its current state of advancement.

TRIREC benefits from its robust ecosystem, fostering substantial deal flow by collaborating with global stakeholders. We invest in companies focused on decarbonisation solutions that actively contribute to the reduction and removal of greenhouse gas emissions. Our portfolio companies span across five decarbonisation verticals: Food and Agriculture, Mobility, Buildings, Industries and Energy. TRIREC will continue to capitalise on its deep and wide roots in Asia, to serve as a natural bridge between the East and West. Find out more about TRIREC’s portfolio and purpose: https://www.trirec.co/

For media inquiries, please contact:
PRecious Communications for Alta
alta@preciouscomms.com

Mahkota Medical Centre: Promoting Women Empowerment

HANOI, Vietnam, May 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Established in 1994, Mahkota Medical Centre offers advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and intensive care facilities and quality medical services. Mahkota Medical Centre is the flagship hospital of Health Management International Pte Ltd (HMI Group).

At the recent 16th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards 2024, Mahkota received the Silver Award for Empowerment of Women Award for Less Than $500 Million Market Capitalization category, reflecting its focus on empowering women within its organization.

In an interview with ACN Newswire, Ms Teo Chin Yee, CEO of Mahkota, talks about the organization’s strategies and processes throughout its journey in promoting women empowerment and gender equality.

ACN: Can you share with us Mahkota Medical Centre’s journey in promoting women empowerment within the organization, and how it aligns with your core values and mission?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre’s journey in promoting women empowerment within the organization is deeply rooted in our core values of Competence, Compassion, and Collaboration.

Competence: We acknowledge and appreciate the competence and capabilities of women in our organization. Through continuous training, mentorship programs, and development opportunities, we empower women to enhance their skills and expertise, enabling them to excel and advance in their careers.

Compassion: Our dedication to compassion extends to all individuals, including our female staff members. We prioritize cultivating a supportive and nurturing work environment where women feel valued, respected, and supported in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities. Our leadership team is committed to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by women, ensuring they receive the compassion and support necessary to thrive.

Collaboration: We believe in the strength of collaboration and teamwork in achieving our objectives. By fostering a culture of collaboration, we encourage women to share their ideas, insights, and experiences, leading to numerous innovations within the organization. Additionally, this culture enables women to support and learn from one another, driving positive change collectively.

At Mahkota Medical Centre, our commitment to promoting women empowerment aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide exceptional healthcare services. By empowering women within our organization, we will be able to not only enhance the professional growth and development of our female staff, but also strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality care to our patients.

ACN: Mahkota Medical Centre is known for its commitment to international accreditation. How has this accreditation process contributed to fostering women empowerment within the organization?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: The accreditation process undertaken by Mahkota Medical Centre has played a pivotal role in fostering women empowerment within the organization, primarily by promoting gender equality and providing equal opportunities for career advancement.

Firstly, through international accreditation, Mahkota Medical Centre has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to upholding high standards of professionalism. This commitment creates an environment conducive to the success of women in various roles within our organization. By adhering to these rigorous standards, women are provided with a level playing field where their skills and contributions are recognized and valued, thus facilitating their growth and advancement within the organization.

Moreover, the attainment of accreditation promotes inclusivity and diversity within the workplace. By striving for and achieving recognition on an international scale, Mahkota Medical Centre sends a clear message that all individuals, regardless of gender, have a voice and are valued contributors to the organization. This inclusivity allows women to actively participate in decision-making processes, shaping the organization’s culture and practices to be more supportive and conducive to their professional growth and development.

A concrete example of how accreditation has contributed to women empowerment within our organization is evident in the role of nurse navigators within various clinical care programs. These nurse navigators play a crucial role in ensuring that patients understand their treatment plans and receive the necessary support throughout their journey. Empowered to bring patient issues to interdisciplinary meetings for discussion and improvement, nurse navigators exemplify how accreditation has enabled women to take on leadership roles and drive positive change within our organization.

In summary, the accreditation process undertaken by Mahkota Medical Centre reinforces our dedication to promoting women empowerment and advancing gender equality within our workplace. By adhering to international standards and fostering inclusivity, accreditation creates an environment where women are able to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our organization’s mission of providing quality healthcare services.

ACN: Could you elaborate on any specific programs or initiatives implemented at Mahkota Medical Centre aimed at empowering women across borders?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre has spearheaded impactful programs aimed at empowering women across borders, with the Jakarta PinkCare Wellness Program 2023 in Indonesia standing out as a notable example.

This initiative was carefully crafted to raise awareness among women about the critical importance of taking proactive measures to safeguard their well-being, particularly in preventing breast cancer. Central to the program’s objectives was the emphasis on regular healthcare screenings and early detection as vital components of maintaining optimal health and preventing the onset or progression of breast cancer.

Highlighting Mahkota Medical Centre’s commitment to providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to women, the program showcased various screening options available at the centre. By doing so, it underscored the organization’s dedication to ensuring that women have convenient access to essential healthcare resources, thus empowering them to take charge of their health proactively.

The launch event was held at Plaza Indonesia, a renowned venue in Jakarta, and was met with a resounding success which drew considerable attention from stakeholders and the public alike. Among the distinguished guests in attendance was the Ambassador of Malaysia to Indonesia, lending further prestige to the occasion. Notably, the representatives from Mahkota Medical Centre who graced the event were all women, including the Oncologist, Breast Surgeon, and nurse navigators. Their presence not only represented the organization’s commitment to women’s health, but also served as a testament to the integral role that women play in healthcare leadership and service delivery.

An impactful aspect of the event was the heartfelt testimonies shared by two Indonesian breast cancer survivors. Their narratives shed light on the transformative power of early detection and accessible healthcare services in their journey towards recovery. These testimonials served as poignant reminders of the importance of women’s health empowerment and left a lasting impression on the attendees, inspiring them to prioritize their own well-being and seek preventive healthcare measures.

Overall, the Jakarta PinkCare Wellness Program exemplifies Mahkota Medical Centre’s unwavering dedication to empowering women across borders by promoting health awareness, facilitating access to healthcare services, and fostering a supportive environment conducive to proactive health management.

ACN: Collaboration with governmental and NGOs can significantly enhance women empowerment efforts. Can you discuss any partnerships Mahkota Medical Centre has established in this regard and the impact they’ve had?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre has recognized the importance of collaboration with governmental organizations and NGOs in enhancing women empowerment efforts, particularly in the realm of breast cancer awareness and prevention.

One significant partnership is with Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (LPPKN), where we collaborated to facilitate free yearly breast screenings for women in the local community. Through this partnership, we extend our reach and ensure that more women have access to crucial screenings, empowering them to take control of their breast health. By combining resources and expertise, Mahkota Medical Centre and LPPKN work together to remove barriers to healthcare access and promote overall well-being within the community.

Moreover, our annual Mahkota Charity Run serves as another testament to our commitment to collaborative efforts for women empowerment. In this initiative, we join forces with both governmental organizations and NGOs to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer patients. For instance, in our latest run, we partnered with Skyhawk Melaka and raised an impressive RM122,788. These funds were channeled to support breast cancer patients through contributions to the National Cancer Society Malaysia and the Seck Kia Eenh Cancer Fund. Notably, over 100 breast cancer survivors participated in the event, symbolizing resilience and hope within our community.

Through these partnerships, Mahkota Medical Centre demonstrates its dedication to empowering women by providing essential healthcare services, raising awareness, and supporting those affected by breast cancer. By leveraging collaborative efforts with governmental organizations and NGOs, we amplify our impact and work towards a future where women have equal opportunities for health and well-being.

ACN: In what ways does Mahkota Medical Centre leverage its strong female leadership at the helm to drive women empowerment initiatives within the organization and beyond?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre leverages its strong female leadership to drive women empowerment initiatives within and beyond the organization. With more than 70% of our workforce being female, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, women play a crucial role in ensuring round-the-clock patient care and emergency response.

Leading by Example: Female leaders set a compelling example for women within the organization and beyond. They demonstrate that gender should never be a barrier to success and inspire women to aspire to leadership roles.

Fostering a Supportive Culture: Mahkota Medical Centre prioritizes fostering a supportive culture where effective communication and listening skills are valued. Female leaders nurture an environment where women feel empowered to voice their ideas, contribute their expertise, and lead positive change.

Advocating for Change: Female leaders advocate for change both within the organization and in the broader community. They champion gender equality in healthcare and advocate for women’s rights, striving to create a future where women are empowered to thrive professionally and personally.

By leading through example, fostering a supportive culture, and advocating for change, Mahkota Medical Centre’s strong female leadership inspires and empowers women to realize their full potential, contributing to a future where women make a lasting impact in every aspect of society.

ACN: How does Mahkota Medical Centre ensure gender diversity and inclusivity in leadership positions, and what benefits have you observed from having a diverse leadership team?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre upholds gender diversity and inclusivity in leadership roles through deliberate efforts. Despite having a predominantly male presence among doctors in leadership, and a female-dominated nurse workforce, the organization ensures equal opportunities for career advancement.

Administrative and support functions implement unbiased recruitment and promotion processes, prioritizing merit-based considerations over gender. Moreover, the organization invests in tailored nursing competency and leadership development programs to empower female leaders. These initiatives offer mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, fostering the professional growth of women within the organization.

A gender-diverse leadership team cultivates an inclusive workplace culture, promoting a sense of value, respect, and empowerment among all employees. This inclusivity positively impacts employee morale, engagement, and retention rates, ultimately contributing to organizational success.

Overall, Mahkota Medical Centre remains steadfast in its commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity in leadership positions. By ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of gender, the organization strives to create a conducive environment for thriving and succeeding, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of its healthcare delivery system.

ACN: Can you share any success stories or milestones achieved through Mahkota Medical Centre’s women empowerment initiatives, particularly those related to international accreditation and cross-border partnerships?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre has witnessed significant success through its women empowerment initiatives, particularly in international accreditation and cross-border partnerships.

One notable achievement is the regional expansion of our PinkCare program beyond Malaysia, offering tailored breast care education to communities in neighbouring countries like Indonesia. This initiative addresses the pressing issue of breast cancer and provides culturally sensitive education, recognizing the unique needs of women in different regions.

Additionally, Mahkota Medical Centre has implemented nurse navigators as trusted guides to assist individuals in navigating through breast health concerns. This program, coupled with our follow-up study into breast cancer, continues to generate results which emphasized the importance of inclusivity, personalized care, and equitable access to women’s health services.

Challenges in implementing women empowerment initiatives are inevitable, particularly in recognizing the holistic needs of women and ensuring comprehensive healthcare services. However, Mahkota Medical Centre is profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and commitment of everyone involved in empowering women’s health. Through collective efforts, barriers are broken down, inequalities are challenged, and the voices of women in healthcare are uplifted. Together, Mahkota Medical Centre is making a tangible difference in the lives of women, their families, and communities.

ACN: What are some of the challenges Mahkota Medical Centre has encountered in implementing women empowerment initiatives, and how have you overcome them?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Implementing women empowerment initiatives at Mahkota Medical Centre has posed challenges, notably regarding balancing work and family responsibilities for female employees.

A significant hurdle arises from the need for women to manage professional duties alongside family commitments which are particularly prevalent among younger women with childbearing responsibilities or caregiving duties. In response, Mahkota Medical Centre prioritizes compassion and flexibility.

To address this, we’ve implemented policies and practices accommodating female employees’ needs, such as offering flexible working arrangements. This includes options to transfer to non-shift duties or adjust work hours, ensuring they can fulfill family obligations without sacrificing professional responsibilities.

By fostering a compassionate and flexible work environment, Mahkota Medical Centre empowers women to manage their work-life balance effectively. This approach supports the well-being of female employees and contributes to a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture overall.

ACN: How do you measure the effectiveness and impact of Mahkota Medical Centre’s women empowerment programs, especially in terms of promoting gender equality and advancing women’s leadership?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Tracking the progression of female employees within the organization through promotions to leadership positions is a tangible measure of the empowerment programs’ effectiveness in supporting women’s career growth. By monitoring the number of women advancing into leadership roles over time, Mahkota Medical Centre can assess whether empowerment initiatives are successfully facilitating career advancement opportunities for women.

Gathering feedback from female employees through surveys, focus groups, and/or interviews provides valuable insights into their experiences with empowerment initiatives. This feedback helps identify perceived benefits, challenges faced, and areas for improvement in the programs. It also enables Mahkota Medical Centre to tailor empowerment initiatives to better meet the needs and aspirations of female employees.

Analysing retention rates among female employees is another important measure of the impact of empowerment programs. Higher retention rates among women may indicate increased job satisfaction, loyalty, and the organization’s ability to retain talented women in leadership roles. Understanding retention trends allows Mahkota Medical Centre to assess the effectiveness of empowerment efforts in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for women.

By systematically evaluating career advancement, gathering employee feedback, and monitoring retention rates, Mahkota Medical Centre can assess the overall impact of its women empowerment programs and make informed decisions to further enhance gender equality and support women’s leadership development within the organization.

ACN: Looking ahead, what are your vision and goals for Mahkota Medical Centre’s continued commitment to women empowerment, both within the organization and in the broader healthcare community?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre’s vision for continued commitment to women empowerment involves fostering a high-performance culture within the organization while also making significant strides in the broader healthcare community.

Internally, our aim is to establish Mahkota Medical Centre as a compelling employer brand, attracting and retaining top talent. This entails implementing the best HR practices, such as offering competitive total remuneration packages, prioritizing staff wellbeing through psychosocial practices, and providing tailored recognition and rewards.

Furthermore, we seek to enhance employee engagement by fostering an environment that encourages continuous learning and development. This includes developing a competency framework for nursing and allied health/clinical staff to ensure they have the necessary resources to excel in their roles.

Moreover, Mahkota Medical Centre is dedicated to intensifying the 3Cs culture (Compassion, Competence, Collaboration) and work ethics within the organization. This involves initiatives such as enhancing patient experience through Service Excellence, establishing a Nursing Academy for improved patient care and safety, and promoting collaboration through team recognition and continuous improvement efforts.

In the broader healthcare community, our vision extends to empowering women across Southeast Asia. We plan to leverage our expertise and resources through initiatives like knowledge sharing, capacity building programs, and partnerships with regional healthcare institutions to promote gender equality and women’s leadership in healthcare.

Overall, Mahkota Medical Centre’s vision for women empowerment encompasses creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture while also making significant contributions to advancing gender equality and women’s leadership in healthcare, both locally and regionally.

About Mahkota Medical Centre

Founded in 1994, Mahkota Medical Centre (Mahkota) is one of the largest and most comprehensive tertiary private hospitals in South Malaysia. The hospital offers state-of-the-art diagnostics and therapies, along with high-quality medical services. It is one of the most comprehensive hospitals, focusing on medical sub-specialties with high surgical workloads. Licenced with 272 beds in eight wards and housing over 120 practising consultants across a wide range of medical and surgical disciplines, it is supported by dedicated management, doctors, and allied healthcare staff.

Mahkota is a top medical tourism destination in Malaysia and an elite member of the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council, serving around 95,000 foreign patients annually. In 2023, Mahkota is proud to be named one of the four finalists in the prestigious Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme, which aims to establish Malaysia as a globally renowned icon for healthcare travel.

Mahkota was the first private hospital in Malacca to become accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and has been accredited from 2023-2026. In addition, Mahkota is the first hospital in Malaysia to be awarded the JCI Clinical Care Programme Certification (CCPC) for Breast Cancer. In order to ensure Malaysians’ patient safety and quality, the hospital has earned the 6th edition of Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) accreditation. Mahkota is the flagship hospital of Health Management International Pte Ltd (HMI Group), with more than 25 years of track record. For more information on Mahkota, please visit https://www.mahkotamedical.com.

Media contact:
Tay Jia Wen
Senior Executive, Brand & Communications
E: tay.jiawen@mahkotamedical.com
FB: www.facebook.com/MahkotaMedical/

InsureTech Connect Asia: Asia’s Largest Insurance Ecosystem Conference

SINGAPORE, May 20, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – InsureTech Connect Asia (ITC Asia) is set to convene the region’s most prominent insurance leaders at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore from June 4-6, 2024. This prestigious event will draw 1,800 attendees, with 75% being senior decision-makers from over 40 countries, to explore the future of insurance through innovation and digital transformation.

The event will begin with an opening keynote by a panel of distinguished insurance regulators from across Asia. This panel includes Meena Chandra, Deputy Director and Head (Insurance, Infrastructure and Trade Finance Division), Financial Markets Development Department from the Monetary Authority of Singapore; Hideaki “Jerry” Namiki, Deputy Director, FinTech and Innovation Office, Strategy Development and Management Bureau from the Financial Services Agency of Japan; Prapapas Kulpawaropas, Senior Director, Strategy and Risk Management Department from the Office of Insurance Commission, Thailand; Shri Rajay Kumar Sinha, Member (Finance & Investment) from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI); and Surannit Chit, Deputy Director from Bank Negara Malaysia. These experts will discuss innovative approaches for testing and developing new ideas within the regional insurance sector.

They will be joined by over 200 leaders representing insurance companies, investors and InsurTechs across Asia sharing their insights as they take the stage with interactive panel discussions spanning three dedicated conference tracks.

Alongside the premium conference, over 100 InsurTech solution providers, including Income, AWS, DXC, Deloitte, Klook, and more will be on-floor to showcase how they are transforming the insurance industry in Asia. Additionally, the exhibition will also witness InsurTech startups across the region compete in the ITC Asia Awards finals.

ITC Asia is also launching their inaugural ITC Asia Insurer Awards, celebrating the successes of the insurance industry across Asia. Winners in 12 different categories will be announced at the Awards gala dinner on June 5.

“ITC Asia 2024 aims to be more than just a conference; it is a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the exploration of groundbreaking insurance solutions,” said Tricia Wong, Director of ITC Asia. “We are excited to welcome back industry leaders and innovators to discuss and shape the future of insurance in Asia.”

Event Details:
Date: June 4-6, 2024
Location: Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
Website: https://bit.ly/itca-2024

About InsureTech Connect

InsureTech Connect (ITC) is the world’s largest insurance ecosystem event, offering unparalleled access to the largest and most comprehensive gathering of tech entrepreneurs, investors, and insurance industry executives from across the globe. ITC has been attended by over 25,000 people from 65+ countries. Founded in 2016, ITC has established itself as the biggest insurtech event in its US location in Vegas and has launched a new venture in APAC with ITC Asia in Singapore. ITC Asia will be held 4 June – 6 June 2024 at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.

For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/itca-2024

Contact:
ITC Asia Media Relations
Email: asia@insuretechconnect.com

BEAST (Bengkel Animasi Digital Arts & Creative Festival) 2024 goes back to Bandung

BANDUNG, INDONESIA, May 20, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Bengkel Animasi is collaborating with the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Communication and Information to organize BEAST (Bengkel Animasi Digital Arts & Creative Festival) 2024, on Saturday, 25th May in the City of Bandung.

Bengkel Animasi is collaborating with the Ministry of Industry of Indonesia (Kementerian Perindustrian Republik Indonesia) and Ministry of Communication and Information of Indonesia (Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika Republik Indonesia) in organizing Bengkel Animasi Digital Art & Creative Festival (BEAST) 2024, on Saturday, 25th May 2024, at Holiday Inn Pasteur, Bandung — Bengkel Animasi is collaborating with the Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Communication and Information to organize BEAST 2024 (Bengkel Animasi Digital Arts & Creative Festival) on May 25.

BEAST 2024 is back post-pandemic to be held on-site and is intended to become a place for all of the digital arts and creative industry stakeholders to exchange information and create collaboration, ranging from animation & games companies, professionals, educational institutions, students and government representatives.

BEAST 2024 is presenting speakers from the Animation, Comics, Games, Illustration and Intellectual Property industry: Ronny Gani (CEO of Bengkel Animasi & Senior Animator on Avengers, Pacific Rim, Transformers), Shieny Aprilia (CEO of Agate International), Daryl Wilson (CEO of Kumata Animation Studio), Anintyas Wening (Operational Manager of Brown Bag Films Bali), and Bryan Valenza (Exclusive Color Artist at Marvel Entertainment).

These professionals will share their experiences from their career journeys working in established international companies. This will help increase the audiences’ knowledge and perspective in developing their business and skills.

Ronny Gani, CEO and Co-founder Bengkel Animasi explains, “Digital Art and Creative industry has experience a significant growth within the last few years. A lot of local companies question whether to create their own products or to provide services for international clients. Through BEAST, we want to synergize all of the industry stakeholders, especially for the business and human resources. We hope that the industry growth can be more optimal, and most importantly, human and talent resources regeneration can take forth on to the youth in becoming future professionals that are able to compete internationally. That is the motivation for us in Bengkel Animasi, a company that focuses in developing the future talents, through multiple programs; training centers, events organization, and 3D animation service provider.”

Daryl Wilson, CEO of Kumata Studio and the chairman of AINAKI (Asosiasi Industri Animasi Indonesia), who is also going to be one of the speaker at BEAST 2024, explains: “Indonesia will experience a significant increase of demographic within the next 10-15 years, and will require a lot of new opportunities. Given the nature of its production that requires a lot of human resources, animation industry will be able to create huge new jobs and opportunities, while also creates new Intellectual Property (IP) products and provides animation service production to domestic and international markets.

AINAKI is supporting Bengkel Animasi with their BEAST events, as it will create networking opportunities amongst the stake holders. Based on AINAKI’s research, there was a 26% growth within the last 6 years, whereas the amount of animation studios are increasing more than 200% in each year. Therefore, AINAKI is committed to collaborate with more entities in order to grow the animation sector in accomplishing Indonesia Emas that is set out by the government.”

Anintyas Wening, Operational Manager of Brown Bag Films Bali, who is also a speaker at BEAST 2024 says, “Brown Bag Films Bali believes that BEAST has a significant impact in the growth of Indonesia’s animation industry. We are looking forward in sharing our experience and insights at the event in order to provide knowledge and strengthening the animation ecosystem in Indonesia.”

BEAST 2024 registration is available at: bit.ly/beast2024bgd

The cybersecurity capital of Philippines, PhilSec now an essential choice for critical infrastructure

MANILA, May 20, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The island country’s most celebrated cybersecurity event, PhilSec is coming up with its 4th annual edition on 2 – 3 July 2024 at Manila Marriott Hotel. A mecca for both cybersecurity aficionados and solution-seeking organisations, the platform has made a name for putting a grand showcase of the latest cybersecurity products.

For myriad cybersecurity professionals, the platform has become the go-to space for industry’s latest projections, trending strategies, new innovations, most relevant case studies and seamless networking opportunities.

The Chairman & Founding President of Philippine Institute of Cybersecurity Professionals, Angel Redoble, who has never spared an opportunity to share his wisdom and invaluable knowledge at PhilSec and has been a key speaker at the platform since the very first edition expressed how dropping one’s guard is just not an option when it comes to present day cybersecurity.

He stated, “If we’re not continuously on the offensive, testing every link in our cybersecurity value chain, then we are inviting disaster. Cybersecurity today requires a warrior’s mindset: relentless, tough, and always on guard.”

With numerous partnerships and collabs being forged every year, PhilSec is now the leading choice for all public & private sector organisations that are trying to up their cybersecurity game.

A sure testament to the platform’s value proposition is the fact that this year’s edition has already garnered support from national organisations like National Privacy Commission (NPC), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), Cybersecurity Philippines CERT and ICT Industry Council of the Philippines.

PhilSec 2024 is anticipated to be the biggest driving force behind the incorporation of next-gen cybersecurity innovations and strategies for critical infrastructure and for alerting the public & private sector about the latest threats. The event will bring together 800+ cybersecurity experts including the top icons of the industry, seniormost executives, leading C-suite professionals, the key decision makers, and many more influential profiles.

Another major highlight of PhilSec has been its curated agenda that targets the most trending topics and advancements which are spearheading massive transformations in the industry. The agenda for the upcoming edition entails some very intriguing topics including but not limited to ‘Cybersecurity in the GenAI Era’, ‘Investigating the Convergence of Web 3.0 and Cybersecurity’, ‘Strengthening Security in IR4.0’, ‘Securing Cloud Infrastructure’, ‘Decoding the Hacker’s Mind’, and ‘Advancing Identity Verification’.

Many industry titans like Mastercard, Cloudflare, Sygnia, Recorded Future and others have reserved their exclusive spot at the event to deliver their best to the numerous participating sectors.

For Sudhir Ranjan Jena, the organizer and CEO of Tradepass, the platform is yet another feat towards moving the whole gamut of the latest cybersecurity developments at the forefront of the corporate sector. He expressed, “PhilSec is on a mission to create a legacy in Philippines’ security realm. We work with market leaders and the top players to shield the country’s fast paced digital transformation journey. As we usher in a new era of cybersecurity, this inclusive platform will bring diverse stakeholders closer, all the while doing wonders for Philippines’ critical infrastructure.”

For more information about the event, log on to: https://philsecsummit.com/

About Tradepass

Providing access to the global emerging markets, Tradepass brings together people, products and solutions to power events for unparalleled business and networking opportunities. Being the most accredited event company, it helps organizations: enter new markets, grow sales pipeline, close prospects, raise capital and identify the right solution-providers.

As a deal facilitator, Tradepass is always determined about exposing the most agile liquid growth markets, to enable all-round scalability and growth.

Media contact:
Shrinkhal Sharad
PR & Communication Lead, Tradepass
shrinkhals@tradepassglobal.com
+(91) 80 6166 4401